Solana Beach coastal plan remains unresolved

SOLANA BEACH  With the public review period over for the city's revised land use plan- a beach preservation plan nearly 12 years in the making- officials in Solana Beach held a special council meeting Wednesday and voted to continue negotiations with key stakeholders.

In March, the state Coastal Commission rejected the city's draft Local Coastal Plan and approved its own staff modified version. Since 2000, seven versions of that document have been submitted to the commission.

The commission-approved plan went before the City Council for approval at its Sept. 26 meeting. After hearing from numerous stakeholders- residents who've formed the Beach & Bluff Conservancy group and the Condominium Organization of South Sierra Avenue who wanted the see the plan rejected, and the Surfrider Foundation who wanted council to adopt the plan- council directed city staff to explore possible text and policy revisions to the plan. These changes were to incorporate the majority of the commission's suggested modifications and additional changes requested by the stakeholders. The city released its revised plan for public review on Oct. 11.

At Wednesday's meeting, the council voted unanimously to continue the progress they've made over the last several weeks and keep working with the stakeholders.

Some of the major issues being discussed pertain to a 20-year time limit on seawall permits; the establishment of a geologic setback line; blufftop home remodels; public access to beaches; and a policy regarding replacement of structures destroyed by disaster.

"I really think that this is the right way to go," said Councilman Dave Roberts. "We are so close to the finish line and we've got to finish this."

Staff said at the meeting that they have been in talks with the Coastal Commission but the city has not received specific comments from them on policy or text changes.

Representatives from the conservancy group and the condominium organization said they supported the council's decision.

"We are pleased that a universally acceptable and legally defensible (plan) appears to be so very close after all this time," said John Corn, an attorney who represents the homeowners. "The coastal property owners...are very eager to conclude the process and to get this done as quickly as possible."

Jim Jaffee of the Surfrider Foundation pushed for the council to adopt the plan approved by the Coastal Commision in March and direct staff to work on amendments to it.

"If anybody knows about the delays (in approving the plan)... (they) are probably about as fed up as my family is with this whole thing," Jaffee said.

"Leave it as your legacy to approve this thing," he added.

The item will come before the council again at a meeting in February.

Solana Beach has until Sept. 7, 2013 to formally act on the Coastal Commission approved land use plan.